Improvement in postage and revenue stamps



A. C. FLETCHER. POSTAGE AND REVENUE STAMPS.

N.175,z4z. Patented March 28,1876.

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N-PETERS. PHOTOUI'HOGMPHER. WA$MINGTON. 0 (LV PATENT OFFICE.

ADDISON c. FLE'roHEEf'oENEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT *I N POSTAGE AND REVENUE STAMPS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 175,242, dated March 28, 1876 application filed :March 9, 1876.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that-I, ADDISON G. FLETCHER, of New York, inthe county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stamps for Postal, Internal-Revenue, and other Purposes, of which the following is a specification:

This invention relates to certain improvements in stamps, such as postagestamps, revenue-stamps, and the like, its object being to prevent the removal and subsequent fraudulent use of such stamps; and it consists in cutting entirely through the paper in detached lines along various portions of the stamp after the printing of the same, and before or after the application of the adhesive compound, in such manner as to render it almost impossible to remove the stamp in an entire condition after being once applied, and prevent all possibility of applying the mucilage to the same for subsequent use, should it be successfully removed, as more fully hereinafter described.

The adhesive stamps heretofore in use have proved objectionable for the reason that they can be readily washed or soaked oil the material to which they are applied and the canceling-ink readily removed by chemical agents, after which they can again be attached to the articles requiring such stamps, in such manner as to defy detection of their fraudulent use, resulting in a great loss to the Government.

Attempts have been made to prevent the removal and subsequent use of such stamps by embossing or partially breaking through the paper, so that they will tend to break or tear upon any attempt to remove them, and also to allow the canceling-ink to penetrate the body of the paper and more successfully withstand attempts to remove the ink. This method, however, has been found to only partially answer the purpose, as, by careful manipulation, the said stamps may be re moved entire from the paper and the canceling-ink, if fresh, taken out.

' By the use of my invention it is almost impossible to remove the stamp in an entire condition, even by the most careful manipulation, and, if once removed, it would be utterly impossible to again apply the stamp without making the second use plainly evident, as the mucilage necessary to secure the stamp to the article would invariably penetrate the cut portions and disfigure the face of the stamp.

In the drawing, Figure 1 represents a view of my improved stamp, and Figs. 2 and 3 modifications thereof.

In the ordinary application of my invention I first print the stamp with suitable designs, in the ordinary manner, and, when intended for postage stamps, apply the gum or adhesive compound as usual. I then, by means of suit able dies, cut entirely through the body of the paper of each stamp in detached lines radiating from a common center, leaving connecting portions to keep the divided parts of the stamp together, but separating the central and outer portions of the stamp to such an extent as to render it almost impossible to remove the stamp in an entire condition when once applied.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the separating cuts are indicated by the letter a, and the outer portions of the stamp by the letter b. The dividing lines, it will be perceived, radiate outwardly from a common center, connecting portions (1 being left between said lines to hold the two portions of the stamp together until applied.

In Fig. 3, which shows a modification of my invention, two series, a and e, of such dividing cuts are shown, one surrounding the other, and both radiating from a common center. This modification is intended for the revenuestamps of that class in which it is necessary to apply the mucilage when the stamp is used, such as the stamps for liquor-barrels and packages and boxes of various descriptions.

It is evident that the stamp, as thus constructed, can only with difficulty be removed from an article when once applied, as the connecting parts between the cuts will almost invariably give way and-break upon any attempt at removal; and if, by very careful manipulation, the stamp is successfully removed, the two portions will be so separated that any subsequent attempt to apply the stamp will invariably indicate its second use, as the mucilage will strike through the cut portions and deface the surface of the stamp.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. A stamp for postal, internalrevenue, and other purposes, having the paper thereof cut In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

ADDISON G. FLETCHER.

Witnesses J 0s. L. (Jooiynss, A. H. NORRIS. 

